Auction Ends: Oct 15, 2019 11:59 PM PDT

Carpet Labyrinth

Original Grace Cathedral Tapestry Labyrinth

Item Number: 277

Estimated Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: 20000 USD

Item Description

Have you, your church or community center envisioned becoming a labyrinth site? Here is your opportunity to fulfill that vision and own an important piece of labyrinth history!

For many years, the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress, now Canon Emeritus and Founder of Veriditas, was Canon for Special Ministries at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. In 1991, she traveled to Chartres, moved 256 chairs to uncover the Chartres labyrinth, walked it, and returned home planning to bring a labyrinth to Grace. Not only did she succeed, she also began the labyrinth revival movement in the U.S. and beyond. On New Years’ Eve, 1991, Grace Cathedral first offered a Chartres style, painted canvas labyrinth to the public at a 24-hour event, “Singing for Your Life” with Bobby McFerrin. That labyrinth was followed, in 1994, with a beautiful, custom-made, thick pile floor tapestry that remained on the Cathedral floor until 2007, when a new Chartres style labyrinth was set in stone in the Cathedral nave.

Measuring 36-foot in diameter, this 100% wool, octagonal carpet labyrinth was professionally wrapped, sealed in plastic and transported to a warehouse where it has been cocooned in blanketing material and stored off the ground. It is in the same condition as the day it was sealed away.

Thousands of people have walked this labyrinth in the sacred space of Grace Cathedral. And their stories, along with the story of Veriditas, are all a part of the fabric of this historic piece. But we are certain that there are more people and more stories to be woven into this tapestry. So we are now offering this gem to an individual or organization who can give it a welcoming new home in their sacred space.

Bidding for this historic, one-of-a-kind, indoor labyrinth opens at $20,000.
The cost includes domestic shipping (up to $3,000) by a professional moving company and an on-site cleaning (up to $500).

The winning bid also includes a one hour phone call with Lauren Artress to hear more about the labyrinth’s history and stories. She will also love to hear about your vision for the labyrinth, your space and your community.